Demetrius and the Gladiators
Seen it?1954 | 101 min | Adventure, History, Drama
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (75% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it made about 13 times its budget, though it had little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for adventure fans and history buffs. If you loved Ben-Hur or The Count of Monte Cristo, start here.
- The mood
- Exciting.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 41 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1954: an older pace and style.
The story picks up at the point where "The Robe" ends, following the martyrdom of Diana and Marcellus. Christ's robe is conveyed to Peter for safe-keeping, but the emperor Caligula wants it back to benefit from its powers. Marcellus' former slave Demetrius seeks to prevent this, and catches the eye of Messalina, wife to Caligula's uncle Claudius. Messalina tempts Demetrius, he winds up fighting in the arena, and wavers in his faith.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
75% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$26 million worldwide on a $2 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 31K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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The Robe Sunday Safe BetDemetrius and the Gladiators is a sequel to this film. It's a historical drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Ben-Hur
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Cast & crew
Directed by Delmer Daves
- Victor MatureDemetrius
- Susan HaywardMessalina
- Michael RenniePeter
- Debra PagetLucia
- Anne BancroftPaula
- Jay RobinsonCaligula
- Ernest BorgnineStrabo
- Richard EganDardenius
- Barry JonesClaudius
- Charles EvansCassius Chaerea